Miami Boat Show: Albin 32

Another favorite boat from the show for us was the Albin 32 Express.

The interior, although a bit spartan, was thoughtfully laid out and would be a great boat to cruise in the Bahamas for a couple or 3 people.

Especially nice was the setup up the aft bed, which is much bigger and better designed than other 32′ express style sportfisherman/cruisers. I could picture me and my girlfriend actually sleeping there, as opposed to using it for storage:

Down below, the keel extended to the prop, and a protective skeg which helps stabilize and protect the rudder and prop; perfect for the skinny waters of the Bahamas.

I’ve known owners of Albins in the past, and they all speak glowingly of the product.

As always, I reserve final comment until I get a chance to take one on sea trial…

Miami Boat Show: PDQ 34 Power Cat at the Sea Isle Marina (Marriott)

What an interesting time we had at the in-water boat show at Sea Isle Marina.

I was most impressed with the PDQ Power Cat. My friend Steve Allan had sea-trialed the boat previously and spoke very highly of this vessel. I was anxious to see it.

Dick, Carol, and their daughter Beth Simkins (all representatives for PDQ for the East coast of the USA) were very gracious and helpful in explaining the benefits of the PDQ.

http://www.pdqyachts.com/power/pdq34.htm

PDQ survived a brief bankruptcy a few years back, but new life was breathed into the brand by Pearson Composites:
“In January 2008, Pearson Composites, LLC acquired the power side of PDQ Yachts. Pearson saw the acquisition of PDQ Yachts as a strong match to its current line-up of high-end, niche products which already include Alerion Express sailboats and True North powerboats. Using superior building techniques, Pearson is able to continue the technical design, quality construction and performance for which the PDQ powercats have become known.”

The new PDQ 34′ is a well constructed solid vessel. The interior is shockingly big for a 34′ vessel, and very well appointed, with two staterooms with more than enough room to comfortably cruise two couples. The main salon is very open and airy, everyone remarked how nice it was to have all the natural light coming through the windows. No claustrophobia here:

I am anxious to see how this boat would handle the Gulf Stream over to Bimini, but I suppose I will have to wait until I get Mr. Allan to pull the trigger and buy one (since I am happily on the water with my Viking).

Miami Boat Show: Bay Boats Featured

From Miami Herald:
“For would-be boat buyers seeking economy and reliability, several manufacturers will introduce new models of bay boats — hybrids of shallow-draft skiffs and beamy, offshore boats — that are priced to sell.”

Some “bay boat” manufacturers featured:

• Andros Boatworks, Bonefish 22 and Cuda 23, booth 3437, Miami Beach Convention Center, about $36,000-$55,000 for the Bonefish and $48,000-$85,000 for the Cuda.
• Scout Boats, 191 Bay Scout, booth 19, Miami Beach Convention Center, about $25,000.
• Seahunter 24 Bay, booth 3391, Miami Beach Convention Center, about $60,000.
• American Marine Sports, Shearwater 25LTZ, booth R-36, about $59,000.

Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail

From Boating Magazine:
“The Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami is one of the world’s largest boating exhibitions. The five-day event brings together thousands of the year’s newest powerboats, engines, sailboats, electronics and marine accessories from more than 2,200 exhibitors at the best deals of the year.”

I am really looking forward to attending the boat show, especially the electronics area.

Boarding the new boats always gives me ideas for things to update on the Viking and for other client’s boats here in Miami.

I’ll blog the hightlights and interesting items during the show this weekend.

Miami Boat Show in town

There are a few new boats here at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, since the boat show has been pushing out other boats from Bayside and the Biscayne Marriott Marina.

The boat show should be interesting this year, considering the state of the economy.

We called to see about getting a booth, and it was $1500 for the smallest booth, plus another $800 or so to be in the magazine.

Capt Jeff is on the boat delivery to Uruguay, so we didnt’ get the booth for The Offshore Solution (Yacht Services) theoffshoresolution.com and MarineOilChange.com.